Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Calls for Sanatana Dharma Board Amid Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 20: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has urged for the creation of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ to address issues related to temples across India. In a post on X, Pawan Kalyan assured strict action on the ongoing laddu controversy in Tirupati, highlighting concerns about temple desecration, land issues, and other dharmic practices.
“We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat) mixed in Tirupati Balaji Prasad. Many questions were to be answered by the TTD board constituted by the YCP government then. Our government is committed to taking the most stringent action possible. But this throws light on many issues surrounding desecration of temples, its land issues, and other dharmic practices,” Pawan Kalyan said.
He also called for a national-level debate on the matter and urged for a collective fight against the desecration of Sanatana Dharma in any form. “A debate has to happen at a national level by all the policymakers, religious heads, judiciary, citizens, media, and all others in their respective domains. I think we all should come together to put an end to the desecration of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ in any form,” he added.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a video clip in which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress-led government of using animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam. “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the YS Jagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam,” Lokesh said.
Citing a lab report, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy alleged that “beef tallow and animal fat–lard and fish oil–were used in the preparation of ghee, which was supplied to Tirumala.” He added, “The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7. The Hindu religion is offended by this. The ‘prasadam’ which is offered to the Lord thrice a day has been mixed with this ghee.”
“We hope that justice will be done and Lord Govinda will forgive us for whatever mistakes have been committed,” he concluded.
Doubts Revealed
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southern part of India. It has many famous temples and is known for its rich culture and history.
Deputy CM -: Deputy CM stands for Deputy Chief Minister. This person is the second-highest-ranking official in the state government, just below the Chief Minister.
Pawan Kalyan -: Pawan Kalyan is a famous actor and politician in India. He is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Sanatana Dharma -: Sanatana Dharma is another name for Hinduism. It means ‘eternal duty’ and refers to the ancient and traditional practices of Hindu religion.
Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board -: This is a proposed board that would protect and manage Hindu temples and their traditions across India.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a special sweet offered as ‘Prasad’ (holy food) at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, one of the most famous temples in India.
Prasad -: Prasad is food that is offered to a deity in a temple and then distributed to the devotees as a blessing.
Animal fat -: Animal fat is fat that comes from animals. In this context, it is controversial because it is not allowed in food offered in Hindu temples.
Temple desecration -: Temple desecration means damaging or disrespecting a temple, which is a sacred place for worship.
Nara Lokesh -: Nara Lokesh is another politician from Andhra Pradesh. He is also involved in addressing the issues related to the temples.